The inside scoop on food in Los Angeles

Test Kitchen tips: Camp-style Dutch oven

June 6, 2012 | 9:30
am

It's the stuff of campfires: a sturdy cast-iron pot on three stubby legs with a flat, preferably flanged, lid. The camp-style Dutch oven has gone through few modifications since its introduction centuries ago and is remarkable at replicating the functions of a modern in-home oven while roughing it outdoors. Coals go under the Dutch oven and on top of the lid to regulate temperature, perfect for baking, stewing or roasting. The flange, or lip, around the lid helps keep coals and ash out of the food.

You can find Dutch ovens at sporting goods stores as well as online. Sizes generally range from a smaller 2-quart ($30 - $50) to 6-quarts ($50 - $80).

Note: Use Grade-B maple syrup if possible for richer flavor. This recipe calls for a 4-quart (10-inch) camp-style Dutch oven. The finished crisp is great served with a drizzle of heavy cream.

2 1/2 pounds ripe peaches, peeled and quartered

2 pints blackberries

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup, divided

3/4 teaspoon almond extract, or 1 tablespoon almond liqueur

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup oats

2/3 cup almond meal or finely ground almonds

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons softened butter

1. Prepare the coals without starter fluid in a chimney starter: For a 4-quart (10-inch) Dutch oven, you will need 27 coals hot enough to have formed a thin coating of white ash over the surface of each coal.

2. Combine the peaches and blackberries in the Dutch oven, and toss with 2 tablespoons maple syrup, the almond extract and orange zest.

3. Separately, combine the flour, oats, almond meal, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the softened butter, then the remaining maple syrup, until you have a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle the crumble over the fruit, then cover with the lid.

4. Place the oven over nine of the hot coals (evenly spaced), and evenly space 18 coals over the lid. Cook until the crumble topping is a rich golden color and the fruit is soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.